Who is Sohaib Abuayyash? The Jordanian Man Who Wanted to Bomb a Jewish Event in Houston

A 20-year-old Jordanian man, Sohaib Abuayyash, was arrested in Houston last month on charges of federal firearm possession. However, the case is more than just a gun violation. According to federal authorities, Abuayyash was allegedly plotting to attack a Jewish gathering in Houston and had expressed support for killing Jews online.

How did the FBI catch him?

The FBI began investigating Abuayyash in August 2023, after agents conducting “open-source research” saw a video of him firing multiple firearms, including AR-style rifles, on social media. Abuayyash is in the United States on an expired nonimmigrant visa, which he applied for asylum after it expired in 2019. Sohaib Abuayyash is authorized to work in the US until August 2025, but he is not allowed to “possess or use firearms or ammunition”.

The FBI also discovered that Abuayyash had been in direct contact with others who share a radical mindset, had been conducting physical training, and had trained with weapons to possibly commit an attack. He had viewed specific and detailed content posted by radical organizations on the internet, including lessons on how to construct bombs or explosive devices. He had made statements to others that support the killing of individuals of particular religious faiths, and referenced an event in Houston for members of a particular religious group.

What was Sohaib Abuayyash’s alleged target and motive?

The details about the specific target, time, or place for the gathering were not immediately clear in the court documents. However, a law enforcement source told CNN that Abuayyash was “plotting to attack a Jewish gathering”. He had also posted about his support for killing Jews on social media, according to the FBI Director Chris Wray.

In an order of detention pending trial document filed on October 24, US Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan wrote that Sohaib Abuayyash had spoken of committing martyrdom in support of a religious cause and had made statements “that he wants to go to Gaza to fight”. Gaza is the Palestinian territory that has been under a blockade by Israel since 2007 and has witnessed several wars and conflicts between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. The latest war in October 2023 resulted in hundreds of casualties and widespread destruction.

What are the charges and consequences?

Sohaib Abuayyash was arrested on October 19 and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by someone with a non-immigrant visa, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He was also ordered to be detained pending trial, as the judge found that he posed a serious risk of flight and danger to the community.

The FBI Director Wray cited the incident to the Senate Homeland Security Committee as he warned that Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel will inspire other attacks around the world. He also said that antisemitism in the country is reaching “historic levels” and that the FBI is working with its partners to prevent and respond to hate crimes against the Jewish community.

What is the reaction from the Jewish community?

The Jewish community in Houston and across the nation has expressed shock and outrage over the alleged plot by Sohaib Abuayyash. Rabbi Barry Gelman, the president of the Houston Rabbinical Association, said that the news was “terrifying” and that the Jewish community is “on edge” after the recent war in the Middle East and the rise of antisemitism.

He also said that the Jewish community is grateful for the law enforcement agencies that foiled the plot and that the community will not be intimidated by such threats. “We are not going to let this stop us from living our lives as Jews, from celebrating our holidays, from going to synagogue, from being proud of who we are,” he said.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish civil rights organization, also praised the FBI for its swift action and urged the public to report any suspicious activity or hate incidents. “This arrest is a stark reminder that the threat of domestic terrorism and violent extremism is real and persistent, and that we must remain vigilant and united against hate,” said Mark Toubin, the ADL regional director for Texas.

What can we learn from this case?

The case of Sohaib Abuayyash is a sobering example of how radicalization and hatred can lead to violence and terror. It also shows how the internet and social media can be used to spread extremist propaganda and recruit potential attackers. It is important to be aware of the signs of radicalization and to report any suspicious behavior or activity to the authorities.

It is also vital to stand up against antisemitism and any other form of bigotry and discrimination. We must not let hate divide us or deter us from living our lives freely and peacefully. We must also support the victims and survivors of hate crimes and show solidarity with the Jewish community and other marginalized groups. We must remember that we are stronger together and that diversity is our strength.